At Christmastime, we love to sing traditional carols and hymns, proclaiming that “all is calm, all is bright ’round yon virgin mother and child—holy infant so tender and mild.” With such a peaceful description of Jesus’ birth, it’s easy to forget the bitter cup of God’s wrath which he came to drink in full. In fact, the reason for the coming of the Messiah can be seen in a familiar story from Genesis 22. As Abraham traveled up the mountain to sacrifice his son, his only son whom he loved (Gen. 22:2), he declares by faith that “God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering.” In this sermon, Pastor Dave explores the need for and meaning of Jesus as the sacrificial Lamb of God, who came to be pierced and crushed for our iniquities (Isa. 53:5).